Have fun, be safe this weekend

The holiday is here and many residents and visitors are planning to party it up all weekend long with food, drink, boating, swimming or visiting far away family and friends.

But, while celebrating the long weekend, remember to be safe in all things so the festivities don’t turn into tragedy.

Independence Day safety means more than just the usual caution with fireworks. The desert heat can sap the energy and moisture right out of the body, making the possibility of heat exhaustion and stroke even higher. Some adults add to that with their choice of ice-cold beer or cocktails, increasing the risks. Remember to drink plenty of water, chase it with sports drinks that replace electrolytes if needed, and stay out of direct sunlight if at all possible.

Don’t forget to make sure children and pets get plenty of water, too.

Avoid leaving children and pets in the car as well. The quick trip inside the convenience store doesn’t seem so quick when a hot vehicle becomes hotter by the second, and every second is closer to a heat-related emergency and possibly death for human and animal kind alike.

While at it, lather up with sunscreen to prevent sunburns, after all the 4th of July passes but sunburns can stick around causing pain for several days.

Water hazards can be an issue too, so be safe while in the pool or lake, keep an eye on the kiddies and never, ever leave children or teens alone. Even adults should buddy up while swimming and always limit alcohol intake to prevent drinking-related accidents.

Don’t drive under the influence; whether it’s a boat, motorcycle or other vehicle, it’s against the law. If caught operating any vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the fines and penalties cost more than asking someone else to take over the wheel.

Driving safety also includes travel on the freeways. Follow the speed limit, travel in the right-hand lane and slow down in construction areas. Be aware of traffic stops — slow down, move over and give officers, emergency vehicles and personnel room, it’s the law.

Virgin Valley residents make sure to be extra cautious while traveling Interstate 15 as repairs are underway north and south of the area. Make sure to accommodate for extra time during travel because higher-than-normal congestion may cause delays.

Motorists need to be prepared with some basic tools in the car as well. First, extra provisions are necessary when travelling; a kit containing jumper cables, extra oil, coolant, power steering and brake fluids; tools; flashlight and batteries; a spare tire; blankets; paper towels; flares and/or triangles; first-aid kit; water for drinking and the car and non-perishable — heat-friendly — snack foods, such as granola bars and chips.

Finally, fireworks are a gorgeous display of light and color many look forward to every year; however, not only be safe but courteous of those around you and pets.

The explosions are exciting for us, but to those with posttraumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), such as veterans or others who have experienced war, it can be an uncomfortable flash into the past. Be aware of who is around you.

Pets also can be fearful of the loud noises, so keep animals in mind if they are near during the celebration.

Another thing to keep in mind is many states are full-swing into the annual fire season. Keep fire safety in mind, douse all fireworks in water, don’t light fireworks off in restricted lands and follow all fire safety guidelines no matter where you are.

So, eat, drink and be merry, but do it all safely for in the morning Merry wants her dress back.

• Take extra precautions with certain medications. Be on the lookout for heat-related problems if you take medications that can affect your body’s ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.

• Never leave children or anyone else in a parked car.

• Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day.

• Be cautious if you’re at increased risk.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Fireworks safety

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.

• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.

• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.

• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission

Public Land Safety

• Wear proper clothing: The desert has plenty of sharp rocks and thorny or spiny vegetation. Summer storms can chill upper elevations and drop large amounts of rain in a short period. Wear the proper clothing and foot wear for your experience. Hantavirus is rare in this area but there have been documented cases in Southern Nevada. The best prevention for the Hantavirus is to avoid rodents.

• Drug labs: Methamphetamine drug lab waste is a growing hazard on the public lands. Please stay clear of anything that looks like a drug lab or any garbage dumped in the desert. If you suspect any type of crime or violation contact 911.

• Flash Floods: Flash floods are a common and widespread disaster that can occur often in the desert. Flash floods are the number one cause of weather related deaths. The sheer force of just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can knock people off their feet and cars are easily swept away in just two feet of water. Flash floods can occur with little or no warning - and can reach full peak within minutes. No area is immune to flash floods. Keep alert for signs of rain, thunder and lightning. Don’t try to drive through flooded areas. Know where high ground is and how to get there quickly.

• Abandoned Mines: There are many abandoned mines in the desert. The best advice is STAY OUT and STAY ALIVE! Most think of mines that you walk into, others think of mining pits but keep in mind there are also mine shafts — straight down.

Source: blm.gov

Safe Swimming

• Designate an adult who can swim to actively supervise children around water.

• Teach all children to get out of the water if the supervising adult leaves the pool area.

• Maintain visual contact. Remain close to your child when in a pool, spa, or bathtub.

• Children and non-swimmers must wear personal flotation devices (PFD or life jacket) which are US Coast Guard approved around any body of open water.

• Floaties or inflatable toys are not designed to be used as a PFD/life-jacket or substitute for adult supervision.

Source: clarkcountynv.gov

Prevent Drunk Driving

• Plan a safe way home before the fun begins;

• Before drinking, designate a sober driver;

• If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;

• If you see a drunk driver, don't hesitate to contact Mesquite Dispatch (911 of 702-346-6911);

• Remember, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” If you know someone who is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.